Agenda Packets - 2006/10/09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wetland Maps report October 9, 2006 Page 2 The third new wetland identified is also in the North Half of Section 6 on Long Lake Road just south of Ardan Park. While this wetland did not appear on the original maps, there is evidence to suggest it has been wet in that location for decades and is connected to the Laport Meadows wetland on the other side of Long Lake Road. This area is identified on the National Wetland Inventory. The area has been the focus of many residential infill developers over the years and at some point the City will likely be presented with a major subdivision application for the undeveloped land. Staff will communicate to any subsequently interested parties regarding the presence of a wetland on the site. Staff sent notices to virtually every affected residential property owner in the City regarding the new maps whether or not the wetlands or buffer areas on the property changed location. At the very least, the notice provides residents with a reminder about the City’s wetland regulations and buffer requirements, valuable information especially for newer residents of the community who may otherwise have been unaware of the requirements. It should be emphasized that the City’s Wetland Zoning maps do not take the place of a wetland delineation. If a property owner is proposing work that may alter or impact a wetland, a delineation will be required before the work may proceed. In the case of higher density residential, new subdivisions, commercial and industrial development, a delineation will be required if wetlands are present on the property, regardless of whether alteration is anticipated. I have attached Chapter 1010 of the Municipal Code relating to Wetland Zoning requirements for the Council’s reference. While staff is not recommending any changes to Chapter 1010, given the action before the Council to modify the maps, it would seem fitting to review the underlying code requirements at the same time. Recommendations: Ordinance 780 has been prepared for Council action. Staff is recommending the Council hold the public hearing and approve the first reading of the ordinance. Staff further recommends the Council make a motion to keep the public hearing open for the second reading, which is scheduled for 7:05 pm, Monday, October 23 to ensure all residents have an opportunity to review and comment about the proposed changes. The City Council should determine (1) whether County Road 10 drainage ditches would be subject to the buffer requirements and whether they should even be shown on the official wetland maps, and (2) whether the small stormwater pond / wetland in Spring Lake Park should be identified with a buffer area extending into Mounds View. In response to both of these decisions, staff recommends revising the maps to eliminate the drainage ditches and the Spring Lake Park pond. Due to our inability to reproduce the maps in house, we are requesting that the Council members bring the maps that were provided at the September 25th meeting.